MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'executive function'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:28:40 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182067&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F83QTuZxBx3c%2F Obesity linked to Cognition (HealthCanal): - “Obese people tend to perform worse than healthy people at cognitive tasks like planning ahead, a literature review has found, concluding that psychological techniques used to treat anorexics could help obese people too.” - “According to a review of 38 studies on cognitive function and obesity by researchers from the University of NSW, obese people have a tendency toward “reduced executive function”, meaning planning, goal-oriented behaviour and decision-making.” - “Obesity may both cause and be caused by the reduced executive function, said review lead author Dr Evelyn Smith, from UNSW’s School of Psychiatry.” To read article: click Here. To access study: Click on A review of the association between obesity and cognitive fun... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182067 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:09:46 +0100 5182067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169611&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F83QTuZxBx3c%2F Obesity linked to Cognition (HealthCanal): - “Obese people tend to perform worse than healthy people at cognitive tasks like planning ahead, a literature review has found, concluding that psychological techniques used to treat anorexics could help obese people too.” - “According to a review of 38 studies on cognitive function and obesity by researchers from the University of NSW, obese people have a tendency toward “reduced executive function”, meaning planning, goal-oriented behaviour and decision-making.” - “Obesity may both cause and be caused by the reduced executive function, said review lead author Dr Evelyn Smith, from UNSW’s School of Psychiatry.” To read article: click Here. To access study: Click on A review of the association between obesity and cognitive fun... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169611 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:09:46 +0100 5169611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845187&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FuaJVh6D6qUc%2F I was really interested in the recent critique of the BBC brain training experiment by Dr. Elizabeth Zelinski. I think Owens et al (2010) was a critical piece of research which was not conducted in the right way and was focusing on the wrong sample population.  I totally agree with the comments by Dr. Zelinski regarding the potential for sample bias and the use of some questionable cognitive measures. However, I would like to take this critique further and question whether the study was value for money when there are other studies which cannot achieve funding but would, in my opinion, show the criticism/scepticism of the use-it-or-lose-it theory. I think there is not enough criticism about the age of the sample population used in Owens et al. (2010). We have conclusive cognitive and neuro... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845187 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:14:16 +0100 3845187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3794913&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fjoint-cfa-floyd-et-al-2010-of-wj-iii.html John Garruto took advantage of my offer and thus, now provides his comments regarding the following recently published research study.  John has been a regular guest blogger at IQ's Corner....how about the rest of you!!!!!!!  I am open to any topic, but am particularly interested in guest posts regarding articles that have been FYI-mentioned at this blog (typically under Research Bytes tag)---and I especially would like to encourage graduate students to send me possible guest posts...as a way to get experience with analyzing research and providing brief summaries.  Maybe some of my professorial colleagues could make the submission of one guest blog post a requirement in one of their classes :)Floyd, R. G., Bergeron, R., Hamilton, G. & Parra, G. R. (2010).  How do ex... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3794913 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:02:00 +0100 3794913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607663&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fmore-support-for-working-memory-gsm-mw.html The relationships of working memory, secondary memory, and general fluid intelligence: Working memory is special. By Shelton, Jill Talley; Elliott, Emily M.; Matthews, Russell A.; Hill, B. D.; Gouvier, Wm. DrewJournal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, Vol 36(3), May 2010, 813-820.AbstractRecent efforts have been made to elucidate the commonly observed link between working memory and reasoning ability. The results have been inconsistent, with some work suggesting that the emphasis placed on retrieval from secondary memory by working memory tests is the driving force behind this association (Mogle, Lovett, Stawski, & Sliwinski, 2008), whereas other research suggests retrieval from secondary memory is only partly responsible for the observed link between working... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607663 Thu, 27 May 2010 22:28:00 +0100 3607663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782255&cid=t_108200_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fhealth-and-safety-at-play.html “I have an incredibly brilliant solution to the problem,” he announces as he dives into the stationery drawer to rummage around. “I have invented safety improvements.” His toe still bleeds. The supply of band aides is running low. He reaches for the tape dispenser and reels off strip longer than his own arm to wrap around the band aid on his toe. “Dere you go! If life gives you lemons make bloody beef stew.”“!”If you like what you read, send it to someone in 'need.' (Source: Whitterer on Autism) Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782255 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:21:00 +0100 2782255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757937&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fpopular-neuroscience-books-for-long.html Looking for reading material for a longish train trip I am about to take, I decided to hit to bookshelves of my Square's Barnes & Noble to see what popular neuroscience titles might be a good diversion (as well as potential supplementary 'lighter' references, should I re-teach an introductory course to neuroscience sometime over the next year).I chose three.The first is by Elkhonon Goldberg, a revision of an earlier work, which is titled "The New Executive Brain: Frontal Lobes in a Complex World" and is available in paperback by Oxford University Press. I first met the author when I was a graduate student, so I am looking forward to reading up on what he's been up to.The second is about glial cells and is entitled, "The Root of Thought: Unlocking Glia" by Andrew Koob. Five years ago, if so... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757937 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:03:00 +0100 2757937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709252&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fidentification-of-possible-or-probable.html Settling in in my coffeehouse for a reading of an interesting new publication by Dr. Brian Brooks and his colleagues on the topic of "Minimizing Misdiagnosis: Psychometric Criteria for Possible or Probable Memory Impairment." The authors seek to develop new psychometric criteria for identification of memory problems in older individuals. This has both clinical and research implications; my primary interest at this time is the accuracy of such identification for including or excluding individuals in clinical trials that test potential drug treatments for Alzheimer's and related dementias. (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709252 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:27:00 +0100 2709252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405721&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=35065&url=http%3A%2F%2Feideneurolearningblog.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fdifferent-brain-networks-for-novelty.html This may come as no great surprise to parents or teachers, but still the implications are significant for the classroom: different brain networks exist for attention depending on whether it is novelty-induced or voluntary. So it should come as no great surprise that a child with strong attention for novelty things or ideas (perplexing puzzle, a strange objects, etc.), may still be seen to thoroughly struggle when trying hard to direct his or her attention (voluntary control). A novel stimulus captures attention passively (whether you want it to or not)while other brain pathways are responsible for attention under voluntary control.It's those voluntary attention networks that are also more likely to take time to develop in children (including high IQ kids).If we really appreciate this neuro... Eide Neurolearning Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405721 Mon, 11 May 2009 07:01:00 +0100 2405721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353955&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fz-myvW1TxG4%2F My wife and I just came back from an inspiring Goldman Prize Award ceremony, where seven grassroots environmental changemakers were recognized for their work and resiliency, and shared their passion and purpose with everyone attending the event. We did hear too from Al Gore, Tracy Chapman, Robert Redford, and the founder of the awards 20 years ago, Richard Goldman.  The BBC recently published an Op-Ed by Mr. Goldman on the story behind the Awards themselves: article Here. He explains how... - "One morning in 1989, as I sat with my daily breakfast and newspaper, I read about the most recent Nobel laureates and wondered if there was a comparable award for environmental work." - "We asked a staff member at our foundation to do some research and he found that nothing yet e... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353955 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:27:08 +0100 2353955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320442&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fdo-animals-think-about-their-thinking.html Can animals think about their thinking? A recent brief research summary by Kornell (2009) in Current Directions in Psychological Science (one of my favorite reads for quick synopses of research areas) suggests that for some animals the answer is "yes." Metacognition (thinking about one's thinking) may not unique to the human species. So...next time you are looking at an animal at a zoo....think about this finding. This reminds me of the recent story that was reported on a number of blogs (sorry...I no longer have the link) of a monkey, living in a zoo, who demonstrated "planning ability" (part of executive functions) by gathering a stash of rocks, saving them, and then hurling them at zoo visitors when they came by.ABSTRACT—It has long been assumed that metacognition—thinking about one... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320442 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:24:00 +0100 2320442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2296740&cid=t_108200_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fmy-bottom-is-too-thick.html Get the code:-Cut and pastefrom this littleboxy thing below five broken!5 out of 42More accurately, the differential between the foot /bottom is too thick by comparison to the rim / top = I need to be more bold in the trimming department.Meanwhile, on a happier note since this is Smiley Saturday too, above you'll see my son's bed. Granted it is a little messy and may not obviously strike you as being 'made,' however, it is indeed 'made,' by his very own fair hands without prompting, which scores a ten out of ten in my book. Addendum:-On another quite stunning note, here is a piccy of another quite ordinarily tiny huge accomplishment. I could remind you about lung capacity, lip closure, co-ordination not to say motivation but you know all that stuff already. Pretty darned impressive for an ... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2296740 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 06:57:00 +0100 2296740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2293090&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fses-and-brain-functions.html How does SES related to neurological functioning?Much has been written and summarized regarding the relation between SES, achievement, and intelligence. More recently on the scene are researchers trying to establish links between SES and neurological functioning. In the recent edition of Trends in Cognitive Sciences (on of my favorite science journals for providing brief overview summaries of topics), Hackman and Farah summarize much of this literature. I found the strongest links between SES and the executive function and language systems of the brain (they organized their review around five primary brain systems) of most interest. The discussion of the operationalization of the construct of SES was also informative and should be reviewed by those doing research on the relations between S... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2293090 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 22:16:00 +0100 2293090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2259386&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fplanning-ability-we-are-not-alone.html Double click image to enlarge (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2259386 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:39:00 +0100 2259386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2235744&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fwhere-does-attention-fit-in-chc.html I just read with great interest (and attention) an excellent article that investigated the relations between the construct of attention and intelligence within the confines of the CHC model of intelligence. A constant source of discomfort with the CHC model, and, in particular, the use of the CHC nomenclature to classify what is measured by the tests in individual intelligence batteries, has been the lack of clarity of the role/presence/validity of AC (attention/concentration) in the model. Carroll (1993) clearly articulated the unknown status of attention in a model of cognitive abilities when he stated:"...it can be argued that attention is involved, in varying degrees, in all cognitive performances and, thus, in all performances that are regarded as indicating cognitive abilities. One c... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2235744 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:22:00 +0100 2235744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2235745&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fattention-and-working-memory.html I've blogged frequently regarding what I think is one of the better models of working memory--the controlled executive attention model of Kane Conway Engle et al. COGNITIVE DAILEY provides a nice post re one recent study by this group.For those readers of the IQ BRAIN CLOCK blog, this has been one of the primary cognitive mechanisms I've suggested as being a possible causal explanation for the efficacy of mental timing interventions.http://scienceblogs.com/cognitivedaily/2009/03/how_distractible_are_you_the_a.phpSent from KMcGrew iPhone (IQMobile). (If message includes an image-double click on it to make larger-if hard to see) (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2235745 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:22:00 +0100 2235745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2138914&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fdissertation-dish-self-regulation-and.html In conclusion, the results of this study supported that there is a relationship between self-regulation and academic achievement in college students with and without ADHD. The ERP components, representative of the executive processes of self-regulation, accounted for a significant amount of the variance in performance on academic achievement tests.Technorati Tags: psychology, school psychology, educational psychology, neuropsychology, education, special education, self-regulation, self-regulated learning, conative, motivation, executive function, MACM, Beyond IQ (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2138914 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:35:00 +0100 2138914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2098703&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fcntrics-consensus-based-cognitive.html This article serves as an introduction to the set of 6 articles included in this special issue that provide information about the specific tasks discussed and selected for the constructs from each of 6 broad domains (working memory, executive control, attention, long-term memory, perception, and social cognition).CNTRICS Final Task Selection: Executive ControlThe third meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (CNTRICS) was focused on selecting promising measures for each of the cognitive constructs selected in the first CNTRICS meeting. In the domain of executive control, the 2 constructs of interest were ‘‘rule generation and selection’’ and ‘‘dynamic adjustments in control.’’ CNTRICS received 4 task nominations for eac... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2098703 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:01:00 +0100 2098703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042804&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fbeyond-iq-metacognition-self-regulation.html Beyond IQ. Readers of this blog should be aware that I firmly believe that in order to understand, explain, and improve educational outcomes for learners, a "bigger picture" approach is necessary. I call it the "Beyond IQ Project." In particular, I've repeatedly sounded the accolades of the late Richard Snow's work on aptitude. I've made many posts related to this notion of aptitude, which includes many constructs such as self-efficacy, motivation, self-regulated learning, etc. I've even proposed a model for integrating these "conative" constructs (Model of Academic Competence and Motivation--MACMM). Most of my posts can be found by clicking on the Beyond IQ tag. I have been encouraged to see serious scholars in the field of intelligence (ISIR members) paying increasing attention to these ... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042804 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:42:00 +0100 2042804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042805&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fdissertation-dish-executive-functiong.html The relationship between parent perceived executive functioning and reading comprehension in the absence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by Hanbury, Mary, Psy.D., Adler School of Professional Psychology, 2008, 86 pages; AAT 3327387Abstract:  The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship between parent perceived executive functioning and reading comprehension in children without a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and to determine if gender moderates the relationship between executive functioning and reading comprehension. The data collected was archival data obtained from two doctoral level clinicians during psychoeducational evaluations. The study consisted of 47 subjects, 34 of which were boys and 13 were girls. The ages range from 6 to ... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042805 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:39:00 +0100 2042805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2008161&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fdissertation-dish-gifted-screening-and.html This study investigated the relation between children's executive functioning skills, assessed both before and during elementary school, and sixth grade academic and social competence. In addition, the influences of the type of school setting attended in sixth grade and elementary classroom experiences on children's academic and behavioral outcomes were examined. Finally, associations with children's level of physiological development (pubertal status) were investigated.Executive functioning skills were assessed broadly, using the Continuous Performance Test, the Woodcock-Johnson Memory for Sentences subtest, the Day-Night Stroop test, the Delay of Gratification test, and the Tower of Hanoi. Children's executive functioning skills significantly predicted sixth grade competence, as rated by... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2008161 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:13:00 +0100 2008161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2000287&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Foverflowing-brain-limits-of-working.html Thanks to SHARP BRAINS for the tip on new interesting book that appears to focus on the importance of controlled attention on working memory during learninghttp://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/11/29/torkel-klingberg-helps-with-overflowing-brain-information-overload/Sent from KMcGrew iPhone (IQMobile) (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2000287 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:48:00 +0100 2000287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1837915&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F405734124%2F A round-up of interested news during the month: 1) Training Young Brains to Behave (New York Times) 2) Head Games (OpEd in New York Times) 3) Will Gerontology recognize the Brain? (American Society on Aging event) 4) Brain function gets a boost from walking (Los Angeles Times) 5) An idea whose time has (finally) come (McKnight's Long Term Care News) 6) Train your brain (Financial Times Germany) 7) Toman auge ejercicios que adiestran la mente (Milenio, Mexico) 8) Trois nouvelles études IDATE : Serious Games (Publi-News, France) Links and commentary below.  --- 1) Training Young Brains to Behave (New York Times) - "But just as biology shapes behavior, so behavior can accelerate biology. And a small group of educational and cognitive scientists now say that mental exercises of a certai... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1837915 Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:21:41 +0100 1837915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826755&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F400952839%2F Great article in the New York Times titled Training Young Brains to Behave. A couple of quotes: - "But just as biology shapes behavior, so behavior can accelerate biology. And a small group of educational and cognitive scientists now say that mental exercises of a certain kind can teach children to become more self-possessed at earlier ages, reducing stress levels at home and improving their experience in school. Researchers can test this ability, which they call executive function, and they say it is more strongly associated with school success than I.Q." - “We know that the prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until the 20s, and some people will ask, ‘Why are you trying to improve prefrontal abilities when the biological substrate is not there yet?’ ” said Adele Di... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826755 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:45:26 +0100 1826755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1087898&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F198708954%2F Reader Theresa Cerulli just forwarded this Letter to the Editor that she had sent to the New York Times and went unpublished. The letter addresses the OpEd mentioned here (pitching physical vs. mental exercise), and refers to the Cogmed working memory training program, whose results have been studied in multiple papers published in top medical and scientific journals. ------------------------------- Dear Editor: I applaud Sandra Aamodt and Sam Wang for throwing some cold water on the current brain fitness craze in their recent New York Times Magazine Opinion Editorial “Exercise on the Brain.” They are correct in labeling the host of “mental fitness” products that target aging baby boomers as “inspired by science — not to be confused with actually proven by science.” For the ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1087898 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:09:05 +0100 1087898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1028239&cid=t_108200_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fday-of-rest-imagine-its-sunday.html When I was a young and youthful person, I was an efficient decision maker. I would analyse the relevant facts in a logical manner and make an executive decision. On the whole it was usually the right decision. Any errors that I made, didn’t generally have dire consequences.I am given to understand that it is a very common problem. Which problem? The inability to choose. Whilst it may be a problem for the person trying to make a choice, it is a far more annoying problem, for the person observing the person who is unable to choose. Self, self, self. Theories abound as to why this should be so, and I’m always open to additional theories. Subtle hint! Many people are unaware of how many choices they make, but it only takes a few moments thought to have some inkling of how frequently this ... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1028239 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:12:00 +0100 1028239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1019391&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=35065&url=http%3A%2F%2Feideneurolearningblog.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fsmart-but-underachieving-when-knowledge.html "I know he knows this. I can't understand why he's not able to..."This unfortunate scenario plays out all too commonly at parent-teacher conferences, or when digging in the backpack for returned tests or getting back report cards or important test scores.Why is that that some kids choke on their academic performance while their knowledge base seems so good? There are many possible reasons for this, but one paper I came across this week reinforced the notion that knowledge, creativity, and knowledge or information retrieval are very different things.Information retrieval is not as catchy a notion as attention these days, but it is a distinct process in the brain, and it what you are asking students to do when you ask them to repeat back what they learned in class or from their homework. In ... Eide Neurolearning Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1019391 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 03:49:21 +0100 1019391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=840503&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fneuropsychology-abstract-of-day-chronic.html CONCLUSION: Cognitive dysfunction is relatively common in patients with CHF, with deficits being most prominent in the domains of executive function, memory, language, and mental speed. Disease severity and ApoE genotype are likely to be important determinants for cognitive impairment in patients with chronic CHF.PMID: 17727641 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=840503 Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:13:00 +0100 840503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=836838&cid=t_108200_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fchemotherapy-and-neuropsychological.html From yesterday's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:Lost in cancer's fog 'Chemobrain' impairs thinking, memory after chemotherapy; anecdotal brain effects are just starting to get serious studyBy JOHN FAUBER01 September 2007Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel[snip]In two small groups of testicular and breast cancer patients, between 60% and 70% of the patients experienced some cognitive decline that was tied to the onset of their chemotherapy, said Christina Meyers, a professor and chief of neuropsychology at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston."It's subtle," she said. "We are not talking about dementia or anything grossly obvious."Within one year, about half of the patients were back to their pretreatment levels of cognitive ability, Meyers said.[snip][ ... Read the full article ... ] (Source: Brai... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=836838 Sun, 02 Sep 2007 16:14:00 +0100 836838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=508598&cid=t_108200_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fexecutive-function-where-is-it-when-you.html So it's first thing in the morning and you need to get the children ready for school. Why should this be so incredibly difficult? Short of getting everyone up at four in the morning, how are you ever going to get them ready on time? Dress them in their school uniform when they go to bed the night before perhaps?How often do you need to issue a simple verbal instruction? Dare we count? How often do we count? Do you count? Do you count and curse under your breath? How many children do you have, as that might affect the outcome? Do any of them have any kind of disability that might affect the result? What kind of disability? Is the disability relevant to their ability to follow through?Lets take a couple of small examples, such as ‘put your socks and shoes on,’ or in the alternative, ‘c... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=508598 Thu, 29 Mar 2007 04:40:00 +0100 508598